How to Properly Operate a Log Burning Stove

Log burners are low carbon, renewable heat and help the environment. They are easy to use and provide excellent heating for rooms.

The best efficiency of a stove can be achieved with well-seasoned wood. This can be accomplished by using seasoned hawthorn, or horse chestnut that has been chopped and stacked over the course of a year.

Burning logs

Log burning stoves are an excellent choice for many homes and provide warm, comfortable and affordable alternative to gas and oil. They are also green because they emit very little of carbon dioxide and create an natural fire that can enhance your living space. However, before buying a wood burner it is vital to know if you live in a smoke control zone as this can have an impact on the type of fuel you can use in your stove.

If you live in a smoke-free zone you should contact the local environmental protection office to learn more about the regulations. You should also make sure that your home is suitable for a stove that burns wood as it will need to have a strong chimney and a sufficient roof structure. In addition to this, you will need to have plenty of dry logs for the stove. It is best to choose wood that has been kiln dried and has a low moisture level or well-seasoned wood as it has a lower negative impact on the environment. Green wood is rich in moisture, so it requires a lot energy to evaporate the water. Well-seasoned, kiln-dried wood will burn more hot and release less smoke.

The first step is to build an ember-filled bed using small wood stove twigs or pieces of kindling. After the tepee arrangement has been established the larger logs can be added. They should be laid out in a crisscross (like a tic-tac toe board) to ensure that there is enough room for air to flow between the logs. After the fire has been established it is possible to use the automatic control of combustion to provide the logs with oxygen.

The logs must be dried and seasoned, and the size should be in line with your stove. This will aid in the process of burning. It is also a great idea to use only Woodsure approved logs. These logs are kiln dried and come from sustainable forests.

The lighting of a fire

It is important to properly light an open flame in a wood-burning stove, or log burner. This will not only increase the efficiency of the stove however, it also helps reduce creosote and smoke build-up within your chimney and in your home. Start by releasing the damper - typically a lever at the top of your stove. Once the fire is established it is possible to close the damper to control airflow and the output of heat.

To begin, gather some small to medium-sized cut logs and make sure they are dry (ideally with a moisture content below 20 percent). Place an ember layer on the bottom of your log burner or fireplace by using a few pieces of newspaper or other non-combustible materials like cardboard. Do not put the tinder in a tight space as this can restrict oxygen flow and cause the fire to die. Place a few flames on top of the tinder in a criss-cross pattern.

Next, put some pieces of fine kindling on top of the newspaper tinder, leaving space for air to circulate. You could also add a couple of Eco firelighters at this stage to aid the pieces of kindling to ignite and burn more quickly. Then put a few larger logs on top of the kindling. It is better to lay them flat on the grate or firebed, rather than leaning against one another. This allows airflow and draught to reach the logs below.

The traditional method of lighting a fireplace is less efficient and produces more particles of matter than the upside-down method. This is because the logs at the top of the stack heat up faster, providing more oxygen to the flames below. This also stops the draught of the wood at bottom of the stack cooling down. This would otherwise slow the ignition and cause smoke. This method also ensures that the fire is full and roaring is created from the start, and you will not be waiting for long to enjoy your cozy stove.

Cleaning the firebox

The firebox of your log burning stove needs to be cleaned regularly. If left unattended an accumulation of ash could impede airflow and cause the fireplace to emit smoke instead of a hot flame. It is therefore important to clean your wood stove regularly. When it's time to do so you must ensure that the stove is cool and remove any large pieces of ash before you begin cleaning. Wear gloves since ash is extremely hot. You can also put a newspaper sheet on the floor in front of your stove, to prevent ashes falling onto your carpet.

When it comes to cleaning the glass in your wood stove there are a myriad of different options available. You can use a piece newspaper to rub away the soot, and you can buy oven cleaners or cleaning sprays. You can also purchase an item specifically designed for cleaning wood stoves at most hardware stores.

It is recommended to clean your stove during the spring, as this will help to prevent a buildup of creosote. Creosote is flammable, and could cause serious fire hazards, therefore it is important to keep your stove clean. You can also make use of a flashlight to check the flue and chimney for any signs of creosote. If the creosote buildup is more than 1/8" it is recommended to clean the flue and chimney.

It is important to ensure that the stove has cooling before cleaning the firebox. Then, take out any large pieces of ash and dispose of them safely. Once the ash has been removed it is possible to clean the stove's interior with the wire brush. Wire brushes can be used to scrub the grate, irons to get rid of any soot. You can also use a cloth that is slightly dampened by water to clean the glass and firebox.

After you've cleaned the firebox, close the flue, and then shut the door to your wood stove. It is recommended to have someone else hold the ladder as you climb up and open the flue as this can be quite high up.

Ventilation

Ventilation in a log-burning stove is essential for the operation of the appliance and to keep smoke from entering your home. Ventilation allows fresh air to enter the space replacing the old, stale air that would have otherwise been drawn into the stove. Ventilation will help prevent your stove from overheating, which could damage it and reduce its effectiveness. Ventilation is also an obligation of law for all stoves.

Start with wood that has been stored for at least six months and then dried. It will burn more hot and last longer than fresh wood. Avoid adding materials made from man-made wood such as Ply, particle boards and painted wood as they can release toxic gasses and leave traces that could cause a fire in the chimney. Also, avoid adding too many logs at once since they could partially block the flames and leave unburned fuel which could cause lots of smoke and creosote.

When lighting the fire it is recommended that both air vents are open. Keep them open until the flames have been established. Once the flames are fully established you can close one of the vents gradually until both vents are closed about a third of way. If your fireplace is in an area with a low pressure it might be necessary for you to open a door or window slightly to ensure there is enough air circulation. If you're using a wood-burning stove is best to combine the wood with smokeless fuel briquettes. This will allow you to keep the flames going for a longer period of time, and also allow you to add more logs to your fire once it is fully established.

Make sure to ask your Local Authority what ventilation requirements will be required if are moving or installing a wood-burning stove. To meet the requirements, you may need to install a chimney or change your existing flue. Check with your insurance company to see if it will require that the work be inspected to keep your home's insurance.